One Direction Revel in Winter’s Wonderland

Without a recognised scrum half young Joe was volunteered as he had played there once, at junior school. Outside him Tim M managed the remaining members of One Direction while a pair of Billy’s made up the back line. The pack featured a plentiful variation of age, size and skill, all of which was required in a fierce forwards contest throughout the game. The Viscounts were committed at the breakdown and had a large boot at 10 which kept Leo’s on the back foot for the early exchanges. With the lineout working well there was enough possession to get 1D on the charge but the visitors defence was firm. No early breakthroughs for either side led to some frustrations and a tougher day on the whistle for Refjoy. Eventually Big Boot’s Big Mouth saw him resting for ten minutes and receiving a load of abuse from his team mates. Exploiting the one man advantage there was enough space created by the backs for a score out wide. The war of attrition at the breakdown continued with Si Winterburn to the fore winning turnover and securing possession when his forward colleagues, led by stand in skipper Dave H and Neil, drove into the stout Viscount defence. Tim managed the 1D offensives well but they were matched by intense defence and no more scoring was achieved. The visitor’s only attempt in an opportunity free first half was a penalty which drifted wide on the stroke of half time.
The pack was “refreshed” with the addition of Scotty who immediately had to field a kick off and set the Leo’s back line off again. With the visitors tiring a little there was more space and opportunity for the Leo’s pace men as gaps began to open up. It remained a battle in the forwards though as the pick and drives wore down and tied in the Viscounts. Frustrations boiled over again with some overzealous footwork (Otley) and a late hit (Leo’s) but Refjoy kept a lid on proceeding’s with cards and warnings. With the pack in the ascendancy, just, the backs were able to utilise the time a space to slice through the defensive line with Joe, Jake and Surfer Jaque all making impressive yards. An early score stretched the lead to 12-0 before the Visocunts hit back to narrow the gap. However three more tries were scored as the youthful Leo’s plundered some booty and the little booties of Scotty added some extras. Once again Big D was added to the fray and a couple of solid scrums and a trademark trundle was a decent return on the baby sitter investment. Otley scored another well deserved try but Leo’s extra pace was the differentiator.